CCTV above shows how the 14-year-old horse appeared to have been spooked while in the paddock.

He tried to vault the fences and collided with a wooden post.

West Yorkshire Police horse Fimber who has died

Police are now investigating the possibility that the incident could be linked to the discovery of a radio-controlled drone that was found at the Carr Gate site at 1.10pm on Sunday, October 18, after it was spotted by the police helicopter crew as they came in to land.

The drone is a “Walkera Runner 250” device. It is widely available and costs around £200.

“There is a possibility that Fimber was reacting to the drone landing nearby or being close to him when he bolted with tragic consequences. We know he was used to the helicopter taking off and landing nearby and by the nature of his training would be used to loud noises, which tends to suggest it was something unusual that caused him to react.

“I am very keen to hear from anyone who has any information that could assist us in tracing the owner of this drone.

“I appreciate that radio-controlled drones are becoming increasingly popular and I am not wanting to detract from the pleasure people get from flying them. Clearly flying one near to an operational police location such as Carr Gate, where the helicopter is regularly taking off and landing, is not appropriate and could have very serious consequences.

“I want to appeal directly to the owner of the drone to come forward so that we can bring this matter to a conclusion.”